Seismic parameter φ: Computation at very high pressure from laboratory data

By using the accuracy inherent in ultrasonic velocity measurements taken at pressures less than 10 kb, the seismic parameter φ=vp2−(43)vS2 can be computed at very high pressures. The equation used requires the assumption that the second derivative with respect to pressure of the bulk modulus be negligible at all pressures considered. This assumption is checked by computing the compression (V/V0) in the pressure range by equations of state using the assumption, and comparing the resulting values with measured compression. Illustrations are given for MgO and Al2O3.